FAITH IS NOW!
January 7, 2020 by DeBorrah K. Ogans
Filed under Behavioral,Emotional, and Spiritual Health
Faith Is Now!
“Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1. Faith is so important that it is mentioned over three hundred times in the BIBLE. To believe and have a firm persuasion in God is what faith is. Having Faith means much more than just to say you believe. It goes so much deeper! Faith is developed through prayer, devotion, and Bible Study. The actual application of God’s Word to your daily life is necessary.
Faith is also part of the Lord’s spiritual armor. It is “By Faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what is visible.” Hebrews 11:3. Faith is NOW not after the fact has materialized! “For we walk by Faith not by sight.” II Corinthians 5:7
Men and Women of Faith
When you truly trust God your Faith will see you through any and all circumstances or situations. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Esther and Rahab, are just a few examples of the many that trusted and had Faith in God. Deborah, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets beheld many miracles, faced jeers, were stoned, saw walls fall, led many in victories, were persecuted, misunderstood, and mistreated. Yet they all accomplished their life purpose by trusting the Lord.
Take notice how they all sincerely aspired to live in the presence of the Lord. They had a personal and deep intimate personal relationship with Him. Hebrews commends them all for their Faith; “yet none of them received what had been promised.” It is by Faith we are strengthened inwardly! Jesus Christ dwells in our hearts through Faith.
FAITH is NOW!
Hebrew defines Faith as something you cannot see. “Faith without works is dead.” When your Faith is truly in GOD you trust that in His time He will fulfill whatever it is that He has said or promised. Take a moment to take an open and honest personal inventory of everything that is happening in your life. Guess what God already knows as well. Despite your circumstances; good, bad, or indifferent you can rest assured that your Faith makes all the difference in the world as to how you will now proceed.
In order to successfully run the race of life we must keep our focus upon the Lord. Laying aside any weight or sin helps us to run with endurance. When life hurdles appear God will impart to you His patience and direction. You can not change anything that has happened; “it is what it is.” As you fix your eyes on “Jesus, the Author and perfecter of our Faith” He will help you arise to the challenges as well as the celebrations of life.
Learn to Trust God
Your daily trust and reliance upon God is where your true security and significance should reside. This will give you sure footing and strong solid rock foundational spiritual roots to help you withstand the storms of life. Your joy in the Lord is where you will find strength when you keep your eyes on Him. The joy of the Lord is not contingent on your circumstance. FAITH is NOW!
The key to being a Christian is the Faith we have in Jesus Christ. Do you know the importance of His sacrificial death on the cross that atoned for our sins? It was so we could live life to please Him! Did you know our lives, our homes, our marriages, families and our worship should reflect we are His children? How do we do this? Titus tells us that “You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self controlled, and sound in Faith, love and in endurance. To teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good…”
God and His Church
Know that GOD does not live in a building made by hands. Although we can come together to worship him and acknowledge Him as GOD. Our GOD lives within the hearts of the believers all throughout the world who are HIS CHURCH. We are the ecclesia; meaning called out ones. The natural man or woman does not accept, value, nor understand the things of God. This is why the Word says to “let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 2. In order to understand the things of God it is crucial that you lay aside your way and your will and let His Word be a “lamp unto your feet and a Light to your path.” Psalm 119.
Having the proper perspective will teach you how very important it is to live life to its fullest and study His Word for His approval and not the approval of man. This is why we are told to “Trust in the Lord will all of our hearts and lean not to our own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He will direct our path.” Proverbs 3.
All too often God is an after thought or optional choice when dealing with life. This compromise often has favorable results with man; yet results in moving you away from God. Learn to wait on God and patiently seek His way. He can keep us on the Narrow Path that is less traveled.
Being A Christian is a daily Lifestyle
God’s way will give you peace and contentment that surpasses the understanding of man! God wants to be the Primary Force in your life. Being a Christian is really a chosen daily lifestyle. God does not force His way upon you. Nor does He manipulate. Faith produces commitment and faithfulness. You also know the importance of honoring your marriage vows as well. You made those vows not only to your spouse but to God. It means to sincerely and earnestly attempt to live life to please God.
Commence to truly daily live, Pray, Preach, Proclaim, Sing, Worship and Praise Him. It really makes all the difference in the world! “LET the WORD of Christ dwell in You richly as You teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as You sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in Your hearts to God. And whatever You do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving THANKS to God the Father through Him” Colossians 3.
Learn How to Trust God
God always has a better way. According to Ephesians 1 He has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. As His child we have been sealed and promised the gift of His Holy Spirit. God truly is faithful you can always count on Him! Now you must trust Him and step out on Faith. Remember Faith is not something that you can see. Always remember, you must exercise patience and your Faith and trust must rely within Him.
Hebrews teaches us; “Without Faith it is impossible to please God!” His Word tells us if our Faith is; “as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you” Matthew 17. The key to this is you must desire His will to be done. It is with God we can do the impossible. This way He receives all the credit. Live: “To GOD be the GLORY!” God always keeps His promises. You can fully trust God to work everything out for your good.
God is Omniscient
Always keep in mind that absolutely nothing gets by God. He knows all that is past, current and will be. He is omniscient. Be encouraged knowing “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.” Know not everyone will be receptive to you. God always knows the intents of our hearts. It is by Faith and patience we inherit His promises.
We can patiently endure whatever is necessary because we know that God in His time will work everything out for our good. It is by Faith we accept His precious gift of eternal life. One of the most important elements in life is having Faith in GOD. “Without Faith it is impossible to please Him, for he, who comes to GOD, must believe, that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11.
GOD IS FAITHFUL
In His time you will reap the promises and He will give back, restore, refuel and replenish you in His time. God knows when you are sincere. We are living in interesting times. It is always important to remember we are living in a Spiritual Warzone. But the battle is not ours. Just keep your eyes fixed on the Author and finisher of your Faith. God is able to “keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great Joy!” Jude. You can say Hallelujah anyhow!
GOD IS AWESOME; HE IS ABSOLUTELY; “AWEWONDERFUL!”
As I mentioned before Hebrews records in its “Hall of Faith” many Old Testament heroes who trusted in God and displayed their Faith in unique ways. We today, should also desire to be honorary members of; “God’s Hall of Faith!” Lay aside every weight and anything that hinders you from going forth in the Lord. Many seek the approval and acceptance of others. Know that the Narrow Path is the road less traveled.
Put your trust in GOD!
God never said it would always be easy. But He did say: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things you have; for He hath said; I will never leave nor forsake thee. So, that we may boldly say; THE LORD IS MY HELPER, AND I WILL NOT FEAR WHAT MAN/WOAMN SHALL DO UNTO ME.” Hebrews 13
As long as we are on this side of Heaven there is more to learn. God continually perfects us. (which means GOD makes us complete in HIM) God’s approval is what matters most. He knows when we are faithful to Him. When we keep our vows He knows. Whatever we need and when, He also knows. God is faithful. When you truly believe; it will be a priority to daily live your life to please GOD! Faith results in faithfulness. Who or what are you faithful to? “Now Faith is the substance of being sure of what we HOPE for and certain of what we do not see. By Faith the Elders obtained a good report!”